ANDY Reid is steeling himself for one of the biggest games of his career when Nottingham Forest take on East Midlands rivals Leicester City in a play-off showdown tomorrow.
And the Irishman today insisted whoever handles the pressure best will come out on top, demanding: "Let's give it one last push."
Both sides will desperately want to secure the win that could lift them into the top six – depending on results at Bolton and Crystal Palace – on what is certain to be a dramatic final day.
And Reid, who has played in the top flight with Tottenham, Charlton, Sunderland and Blackpool, says Forest must merely focus on keeping calm heads.
"This is a massive game, make no mistake," he said.
"I have played in some big games for Forest. I have played in some big games in the Premier League and I have played in some big games with Ireland – but this is right up there.
"It will be a full house, it will be such a big atmosphere – and it is about who deals with the atmosphere and the occasion the best.
"They will be the ones who come out with the result."
Reid says he cannot wait for the game to kick off, at 12.45pm tomorrow.
Forest need to win and hope that Bolton slip up against Blackpool or Palace lose at home to Peterborough.
"I don't need any extra motivation. I am ready to go, I am ready to play – I wish the game was today if I am honest," he said. "The fans will turn up in their numbers, they will support us as best as they can.
"We owe it to ourselves, we owe it to the supporters, we owe it to the manager and the owners – we owe it to everyone involved to give this one last push.
"We want to finish the season on a high, as a team.
"I don't dream of scoring winning goals, I prefer to concentrate on preparing, when it comes to all the little bits and pieces.
"I am a firm believer that, when you get the basics right, it is funny how the rest falls into place.
"We have concentrated on the basics, we have concentrated on making sure we are ready for the game when we run out there."
Reid does dream of Forest scoring another early goal, however, just as they did in the 1-0 win over Millwall last weekend.
"We would like to get an early goal again. If we can get one, I feel we are a better team. I think we are stronger when we go a goal up," he said.
"If we can do that, it will help us. But, if we concede an early goal, we have to remember it is not over.
"We can score goals and create chances at any point in a game.
"What matters most is that you continue to do the right things, whether you go a goal up or if you find yourselves trailing, that does not change."
